Do you use an HDMI to I2S converter in combination with a Blu-Ray player to listen to the DSD layer of SACD’s?
- yes
- no
0
voters
I voted now as I use the PerfectWave SACD converter to spin discs.
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I have the equipment, but I have not implemented the equipment yet!
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I voted no because I own the PST, and SACDs sound better through it. However I do use an Hdmi to i2s converter for listening to DVD-As from Oppo UDP205 to DSD mkii.
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I asked the question for a few reasons. First, I bought a Stellar Strata mk2 and want to listen to my SACDs. However, at this moment I cannot afford spending €9000 for a Perfect Wave transport. After reading lots of discussion about the setup with a Chinese converter and (Sony) Blu-Ray player I decided to try that option next to a CD player. I must say, it really works and sounds good.
Also, I saw Paul’s YouTube video about Marantz stopping to produce the SACD driver that PSaudio uses. Since the above setup is a working option, I was wondering how many of you are using a converter + Blu-Ray player (or consider using that in the future).
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Get a Sony UBP-X800M2 or UBP-X1100ES with the Chinese HDMI Video to HDMI I2S adapter and you are all set. The older X800 or X1000ES (what I have) works just as good.
I did a comparison one time playing 2 identical SACD’s. One in my PerfectWave Transport and other other in my Sony player. There was no audible difference.
We tried a couple other pairs of discs. Same conclusion.
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Another optional route, which I’ve been using with an Oppo BDP-103 for several years, is the Digital Breakout Box by GeerFab.
When compared it to I2S, I couldn’t discern any difference in SQ. The D.BOB is connected to the DS-MK2 via Coax.
https://hometheaterhifi.com/blogs/geerfab-audio-d-bob-digital-breakout-box/
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I also use a Geerfab D.BOB going from an Oppo 105 into my DSJr. I can attest that it works flawlessly and the SQ is excellent compared to the Oppo 105 convertors.
I seem to remember from discussions in other topics that the Chinese HDMI video to I2S adapter reverses the right and left channels. But @rajugsw has applied a fix to the adapter circuitry to fix this issue. Is this still true?
I hope I’m wrong but, since PSaudio did a last time buy for the Marantz SACD drive I think it’s save to say that the end of high quality, Perfect Wave, SACD transports slowly is coming… Paul also clearly stated that they are not able to make a Stellar SaCD transport.
Let’s say that we want to keep playing our SACDs, what options do you guys see as the best way to do that in the future?
Once the supply runs out, the only option will be to purchase a used one and keep it in good repair.
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True, but when spare parts start running out, it will be increasingly more difficult to keep these working. I mean, discrete electronic and generic mechanical parts won’t be the biggest problem, but specialised parts specifically made for these drive units could become a real challenge. Let alone finding a capable technician in your neighbourhood…
Can you tell me which Chinese HDMI to I2S converter and where I can buy it, please ?
Thanks in advance.
You’ll find them on EBay:
There are lots of offerings, either the board only or, as in the above, build in to a case. You could also have a look at this thread:
Thanks to Joe’s posts, I found this option and for me it worked almost in one go. I just had to connect the HDMI cables. Although my Strata mk2 does not recognise the bit rate in the display (seams to be a problem in the Strata firmware), SACDs, Blu-rays- and CDs play without any problem 
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About a quarter of 26 voters indicate that they use a Blu-Ray player in combination with an HDMI to I2S converter. Although 26 is a small number of voters, it seams to indicate that there is a group of audiophiles that’s using this way to play SACDs successfully.
Since this works for roughly €350 I’m just wondering: wouldn’t it be possible for PSaudio to use a cheap drive mechanism like Sony uses in a future Stellar SACD transport?
I know these drives quality wise don’t compare to the ones used in the Perfect Wave series, but I personally would prefer such a Steller SACD transport above the Sony blu-ray I’m using now. I certainly would buy such a Stellar transport!
@ PSaudio: wouldn’t such a Stellar SACD transport be feasible?